Part 11 (1/2)

”I'm not selling to Greg Snider,” he corrected her sharply.

”I'm selling to Rick. Those Tanners have been good neigh-

bors the last couple of years. First, the dad began helping me

out. Then Bill, Rick's brother, stepped in. After he moved

away, Rick started helping me Out. Our farms adjoin and

young Rick understands and respects the land just like I do.

I know he'll keep this farm running in tip-top shape, and

that's real important to me.”

Maggie was speechless. Did he actually believe that Rick

planned to continue farming this land? ”Uh, is the sale of

your property final yet?” she asked weakly.

”We signed papers last week.”

”Is Rick's dad involved in the sale too?”

”Not directly. You see, he's in a nursing home now. He's

quite a bit younger than me, but he's got that Alzheimer '5

sickness where you can't remember anything-poor old

feller went walking out in the snow last winter without a

single st.i.tch of clothing on, nearly froze himself to death.”

”I see. And Rick told you that he plans to continue

farm ing-uh, indefinitely?”

Mr. Westerly nodded. ”That's right. You see, Rick's like

me in that regard. Can't stand to be away from the dirt for

more than a day or so.”

”It's strange,” she began cautiously, unsure of how to

best proceed. ”I'd heard that Greg Snider was involved in

this transaction too.”